Bail denied for two suspects in Robert Wolk murder case

Two men accused of involvement in the murder of racing champion Robert Wolk will remain behind bars after the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court denied their bail applications on October 13.

Hlangananani Shezi and Muziwethu Mthethwa appeared in court to apply for bail this afternoon. The matter was postponed to November 10 for further investigations.

Wolk was shot dead in Esther Park, Kempton Park, on September 16. Shezi and Mthethwa were arrested on the morning of September 19.

Also read: Robert Wolk murder accused to apply for bail next week

The accused face charges including murder, possession of an unlawful firearm and conspiracy to commit murder, among other charges.

Accused outline personal circumstances

During the proceedings, the legal representatives of both accused read their clients’ affidavits in support of their bail applications.

Shezi, 24, denied the allegations against him. His legal representative told the court that he has a two-year-old daughter and was self-employed, selling alcohol, at the time of his arrest.

The court heard that Shezi has no previous convictions but has two pending cases before the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court.

He was expected to appear in connection with those matters on September 23 but failed to do so because he had been arrested in the Wolk murder case, according to his legal representative.

In his affidavit, Shezi stated that he did not have a travel document and would not evade trial, intimidate or influence witnesses, or interfere with evidence if released on bail. He also undertook to comply with any conditions imposed by the court.

Shezi indicated that he could afford bail of R1 000. Should the court set a higher amount, his family would assist him financially.

Also read: Wolk murder accused remains in custody after bail is denied

Mthethwa, 29, told the court through his affidavit that he has a four-year-old child and was self-employed as a car washer at the time of his arrest, earning approximately R400 a day when business was good.

His legal representative told the court that Mthethwa had no previous convictions or pending cases. Mthethwa also denied committing the alleged offences.

According to his affidavit, Mthethwa is a South African citizen and does not have a travel document. He undertook not to evade trial, commit further offences, intimidate witnesses or destroy evidence if granted bail.

He also indicated that he could afford bail of R1 000, with his family willing to assist if the court set a higher amount.

State outlines alleged link to murder

During the bail proceedings of the third accused, Khotso Richard Mashao, on October 2, the state outlined evidence it alleged linked Mthethwa and Shezi to the murder.

The state told the court that a blue Volkswagen Jetta was seen fleeing the scene after the shooting. The vehicle was later spotted at a hostel in Vusimusi, Thembisa, where Mthethwa was allegedly found in possession of its keys.

According to the state, further investigations revealed that the Jetta was a hijacked vehicle and that its owner had been shot seven times. Mthethwa was subsequently arrested on charges relating to the alleged hijacking and murder.

Also read: Three arrested in connection with Robert Wolk shooting

The state further alleged that, during questioning, Mthethwa admitted taking Wolk’s cellphone to a Nigerian man. The man allegedly confirmed that Mthethwa was the person who had brought him the phone.

The state told the court that Mthethwa subsequently led police to Shezi.

During questioning, Shezi allegedly told police that he knew about the shooting and had shot Wolk, according to the State’s account of the investigation.

Also read: Man shot dead after alleged bumper-bash incident in Esther Park

The state further alleged that Shezi led police to his brother’s home, where the firearm believed to have been used in the murder was found hidden behind a toilet and wrapped in a blue towel.

The firearm was described in court as a black 9mm Beretta containing 17 rounds of ammunition.

These allegations formed part of the State’s case presented during the bail proceedings.

State opposes bail

This afternoon, October 13, the state opposed the release of both accused, arguing that they could evade trial, intimidate witnesses, interfere with the investigation or threaten public order if granted bail.

The state also argued that neither accused owned property or paid rent, and that they could leave the hostel where they were living at the time of their arrests. This, the state submitted, would make it difficult for law enforcement officials to trace them.

The court also heard that Mthethwa had a warrant of arrest relating to a separate matter.

The state argued that both accused posed a danger to the community and that it had a strong case against them.

It further referred to an attempted murder charge linked to the blue Volkswagen Jetta allegedly used in the Wolk murder.

According to the state, the vehicle had been hijacked and the victim had identified both accused. The state argued that their release could place the public at risk of similar offences.

Court refuses bail

In delivering the ruling, the magistrate found that the two accused posed a danger to members of the community and that there was a likelihood they could commit offences similar to those before the court.

The magistrate consequently refused both bail applications.

Shezi and Mthethwa will remain in custody until their next court appearance on November 10, when the matter is expected to return for further investigations.